PrefaceThis 24-chapter book is aimed to serve as a text for college students and others desiring a comprehensive introduction to the biology, care, and production of domestic animals and freshwater fish raised to provide food, as well as companionship and recreation for billions of humans around the globe. We hope it communicates our enthusiasm for this exciting field of science.
The fourth edition of Animal Sciences: The Biology, Care, and Production of Domestic Animals (formerly titled The Science of Animals That Serve Humanity) includes three new chapters: Companion Animals, Aquaculture, and State of Being of Domestic Animals. All chapters have been thoroughly revised and updated by disciplinary experts to include recent scientific advances in the animal sciences. Important new materials include the life cycles of food-producing animals, retail cuts of meat, food safety, recent exciting applications of technology in reproductive physiology, expanded discussion of animal excreta, new discussions of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) and the new variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob Disease, as well as Cat Scratch and Lyme diseases.
The initial chapter presents materials related to the history and important economic aspects of animal agriculture in the United States and the world. The second chapter highlights breeds and life cycles of livestock and poultry. Presented in subsequent chapters is information pertaining to the nutritional contributions of animal products to humans; food preservation and safety; and the principles of animal genetics, anatomy, and physiology. Included are the principles of digestion, growth, senescence, lactation, egg laying, reproduction, ecology, and stress responses of animals. Other materials related to animal disease and public health, parasites of importance to domestic animals, insects and their biological control, and ethology and animal behavior are included. Because of the increasing interest in horses major revisions have been made in that chapter as well.
A survey conducted by the publisher of our teaching colleagues at other schools revealed that different teachers assign higher priority to certain chapters than to others. Moreover, most instructors have their own preferences as to the sequence of subject matter presented. Therefore, each chapter (and even each major section in most chapters) stands on its own. This enables teachers to arrange topics for study in keeping with their preferred course outlines. And, because the book includes more than can be covered in most introductory courses, much of the material will be useful in upper-level courses taught in the various disciplines of animal science.
More than 350 illustrations aid in comprehending scientific concepts as well as adding to reading pleasure. Included are four color pages of breeds of horses, cats, and dogs plus four color pages of the retail cuts of meats (beef, lamb, pork, and veal). To stimulate thought each chapter begins with a historical or philosophical quotation.Quotations preserve for humanity not only the beauty of literature, but also the wisdom of philosophy, the counsel of experience, and the inspiration of achievement.Lewis Copeland (1888–1949)
American editor and publisher
To better understand materials presented, a glossary has been included. Glossary words/terms are set in boldface type the first time they appear in a particular chapter. Study questions are provided at the end of each chapter so students can test their knowledge and understanding of the materials presented.
Authors of a book of this magnitude rely on the talents and professional expertise of many people. Indeed, scientists who contributed to research, teaching, and public service over the years—those who generated the data and information recorded here—are too numerous to name, impossible to repay. But we are especially indebted to the more than 40 animal science and veterinary medicine faculty colleagues at Berea College; the Universities of California, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, and Missouri; Colorado State University, Iowa State University, Kentucky State University, Oklahoma State University, and Texas A&M University who reviewed chapter manuscripts and contributed immensely to this new edition. They are acknowledged in the respective chapters. Special appreciation is expressed to the authors named at the beginning of the three new chapters. Additionally, our abundant gratitude is expressed to Benita Bale for her efficient clerical assistance and editorial suggestions. We acknowledge, as well, contributions of the late John F. Lasley, Professor of Animal Science, University of Missouri, to previous editions.
Finally, we thank members of the McGraw-Hill editorial and production team: Ed Bartell, Kassi Radomski, Kay Brimeyer, Heather Wagner, Judi David, Laura Fuller, K. Wayne Harms, and John Leland for their contributions to clarity, consistency, design, and other important aspects of this book.John R. Campbell
M. Douglas Kenealy
Karen L. Campbell
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2003 McGraw-Hill Higher Education